CFL.ca Staff
CALGARY — Martell Mallett is back in the CFL…again.
The Calgary Stampeders announced Thursday the signing of the import running back. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Mallett was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2009 as a member of the BC Lions. He earned West Division all-star honours that season as he rushed for 1,240 yards and six touchdowns and caught 43 passes for 342 yards and two scores. He also returned 10 kickoffs for 225 yards.
His 2009 season included a 213-yard performance against the Montreal Alouettes, which had been the most recent 200-yard rushing game by a CFL player until the Stamps’ Jon Cornish accomplished the feat in 2013.
Mallett signed with the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and also spent time with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants before returning to the CFL as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012.
He missed the entire 2012 season with a torn Achilles tendon and was released by the Ticats on May 24, 2013.
“Martell demonstrated great ability when he first arrived in the CFL and I know he’s looking for a chance to prove that he is healthy and once again able to be a productive player,” said Hufnagel. “We’re hoping he can add depth to both the running back position and our return game and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action at training camp.”
The 27-year-old Mallett is an alumnus of Arkansas-Pine Bluff University, where he was a first-team Southwestern Athletic Conference all-star in both 2006 and 2008. During his career with the Golden Lions, he played 42 games and amassed 2,896 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns.
“I’ve been working hard this past year and I’m 100 per cent healthy again,” said Mallett. “I’m very grateful to the Stampeders for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get back on the field.”
